Is No AFDD a Fail on an EICR? Full Guide for London Landlords & Homeowners

EICR Certificate

13 October 2025

EICR Certificates,EICR Faults & Failures,EICR Guide,Electrical Installation

Is No AFDD a Fail on an EICR? (Full Guide for London Landlords & Homeowners)

Electrical regulations are constantly evolving, and the introduction of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) is one of the biggest updates to the BS 7671:2018 (Amendment 2) wiring standards.
Many London landlords and homeowners are now asking the same question:

👉 “Is no AFDD a fail on my EICR report?”

This guide explains exactly what a C3 “No AFDD” observation means, why it’s not a failure, and when upgrading your consumer unit to include AFDD protection makes sense.

⚡ What Is an AFDD and Why It Matters

An AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Device) is an advanced type of protection that detects dangerous arc faults , tiny electrical sparks caused by damaged cables or loose connections that can lead to fires.

AFDDs continuously monitor your electrical circuits and disconnect power automatically if they detect an arc.
They’re especially effective in preventing electrical fires, which account for thousands of incidents across the UK every year.

While AFDDs add an extra layer of safety, they are not yet mandatory for all circuits, which leads us to the key point of confusion during EICR inspections.

🧾 What Does “C3 – No AFDD” Mean on an EICR?

When your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lists “C3 – No AFDD”, it simply means:

Your installation is safe, but could be improved by adding AFDD protection.

It’s not a failure it’s a recommendation.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the EICR coding system:

Code	Meaning	Result
C1	Danger Present – Immediate action required	FAIL
C2	Potentially Dangerous – Urgent remedial work required	FAIL
C3	Improvement Recommended	PASS
FI	Further Investigation Required	FAIL (until checked)

So, if your report includes C3 – No AFDD, your property still passes the EICR and receives a ‘Satisfactory’ outcome.

🔍 When Are AFDDs Required Under BS 7671:2018 (Amendment 2)?

Under the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022), AFDDs are recommended, not mandatory for most standard domestic circuits.

However, they are required in specific high-risk situations such as:

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
Student accommodation
Care homes or similar premises
High-rise residential buildings (above 18 metres)

If your property falls into one of these categories, your electrician may recommend upgrading to AFDDs during your EICR or future rewiring work.

📘 Related reading: EICR Certificates for Landlords in London

🧯 Why “No AFDD” Is a C3, Not a Failure

The main reason AFDD absence is coded as C3 rather than C2 or C1 is that:

The system is still safe without AFDDs.
BS 7671 only recommends AFDDs in most cases, not mandates them.
RCDs and MCBs already provide strong protection in modern installations.

An experienced electrician records it as a recommendation for future upgrade, especially during consumer unit replacements.

If your property already has a modern board with RCDs or RCBOs, your electrical safety is considered compliant and safe.

🧰 When to Consider Upgrading to AFDDsScenarios in London Properties

Although not required, adding AFDDs can significantly improve protection against electrical fires.
Here’s when upgrading might be worth it:

You’re replacing your consumer unit
Your property is a rental (HMO) or multi-occupancy building
You’ve had frequent tripping issues or signs of arcing (burn marks, smell of burning, etc.)
You want to future-proof your home for upcoming safety standards

Our electricians frequently install consumer units equipped with AFDD + RCBO protection, ensuring full compliance with the latest BS 7671 standards.

🔧 Learn more about our EICR Remedial Work services.

🏙️ Common Misunderstandings About AFDDs and EICR Reports

Many landlords worry that a C3 – No AFDD observation might affect their rental compliance or insurance, but that’s not the case.

Let’s clarify:

C3 codes do not cause an EICR to fail.
You can legally let or sell the property with a C3 observation.
Insurers rarely require AFDDs but may offer reduced fire-risk ratings for upgraded systems.

Your EICR will remain valid and compliant for 5 years (or 1 year after tenant change for rentals).

🧠 How to Read “C3 – No AFDD” in Your Report

A typical observation might look like this:

“No AFDD protection present on socket and lighting circuits – C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Regulation 421.1.7 BS7671:2018+A2:2022.”

This tells you your installation complies with the minimum safety standards, but adding AFDDs would enhance fire protection.

If your EICR also mentions No RCD or No SPD, those may be coded C2 and require urgent attention.

👉 Check out our guide: Is No RCD a Fail on an EICR?

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Add AFDD Protection?

Upgrading to AFDDs is more expensive than standard RCDs, as each device costs between £90–£130 per circuit, compared to around £25–£40 for standard RCBOs.

A full consumer unit upgrade including AFDDs typically costs £750–£1,200, depending on the number of circuits.

To keep costs efficient, many property owners choose partial AFDD upgrades during future rewiring or safety improvements.

💡 Get a clear quote with our EICR Certificate Cost Guide.

🧾 What Should Landlords Do If They Receive a C3 for No AFDD?

If your EICR lists a C3 – No AFDD, you don’t need immediate action but it’s smart to plan ahead.

Here’s a simple checklist:

Keep your EICR report on file for compliance proof.
Ask your electrician for an upgrade quote for AFDDs or a new board.
Review other C2 or C1 faults first (they must be fixed to pass).
Schedule your next EICR renewal before the 5-year mark.

Need help interpreting your report?

🧰 Visit: How to Read and Understand an EICR Report

🏡 Why Choose London EICR Certificates

At London EICR Certificates, our NICEIC-approved electricians perform hundreds of inspections every month across London.
We help landlords, agents, and homeowners stay compliant with all UK electrical safety laws — from initial inspection to remedial works and final certification.

✅ Same-day digital certificates
✅ Affordable remedial quotes
✅ Fully insured & certified electricians
✅ Covering all London postcodes

🔗 Book your EICR inspection online today at https://londoneicrcertificates.co.uk/book-online/

🧩 Summary: Is No AFDD a Fail on an EICR?

Question	Answer
Is no AFDD a fail on an EICR?	❌ No – it’s a C3 (Improvement Recommended)
Does C3 mean unsatisfactory?	✅ No – your EICR still passes
Are AFDDs mandatory in 2025?	⚙️ Only in certain high-risk buildings
Should landlords upgrade?	💡 Recommended when replacing consumer units
Can you rent with a C3?	✅ Yes – fully compliant

The “No AFDD – C3” observation in your EICR is not a failure it’s a recommendation for added protection.
While AFDDs aren’t mandatory yet, they represent the next generation of electrical fire safety and will likely become standard in the future.

If you’re planning electrical upgrades or consumer unit replacements, it’s worth discussing AFDD options with your electrician.

🔧 For expert advice or to book your next EICR inspection, visit our EICR Services page

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions about AFDD and EICR Reports

1. Is “No AFDD” a fail on an EICR report?

No. “No AFDD” is recorded as a C3 – Improvement Recommended, not a failure. Your electrical installation is still safe and compliant, but the electrician suggests adding AFDD protection to improve safety in the future.

2. What does C3 mean on an EICR report?

A C3 code means the system is safe for continued use but could be improved. It doesn’t fail your report. Only C1, C2, or FI codes make an EICR unsatisfactory.

3. Are AFDDs mandatory in the UK?

As of 2025, AFDDs are not mandatory for every property. They’re only required in certain high-risk buildings such as HMOs, student accommodation, care homes, and high-rise residential buildings.

4. Should landlords install AFDDs in London properties?

It’s not required by law, but strongly recommended especially in rental or multi-occupancy properties. Installing AFDDs can help reduce electrical fire risks and future-proof your property against regulation changes.

5. How much does it cost to add AFDD protection?

Installing AFDDs usually costs between £90–£130 per circuit, or £750–£1,200 for a full consumer unit upgrade. The cost depends on the number of circuits and the existing board type.

6. Can I pass an EICR without AFDDs?

Yes, you can still pass. The absence of AFDDs does not cause an EICR failure. It simply receives a C3 note, meaning no immediate action is required.

7. What’s the difference between AFDD, RCD, and RCBO?

RCD protects against electric shock RCBO combines RCD + circuit breaker AFDD detects dangerous arc faults that could cause fires A modern consumer unit with RCDs or RCBOs is still compliant, but adding AFDDs increases fire safety.

8. Will a C3 observation affect my landlord compliance or insurance?

No. A C3 observation does not make your property non-compliant or invalidate your insurance. However, insurers may view AFDD-equipped systems as lower fire risk, potentially improving coverage.

9. Should I upgrade to AFDDs during remedial work?

Yes, if you’re already doing remedial work or upgrading your consumer unit, adding AFDDs makes sense. It’s cost-effective and ensures compliance with the latest BS 7671:2018 (A2:2022) recommendations.

10. How can I book an EICR inspection or remedial upgrade in London?

You can book directly through our website.

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